In 1952, Mother Teresa came across an abandoned woman, dying in the street. She tried to get help from a hospital but the hospital could offer no help. She was offered the use of a building located next to a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali and within a day she had people there. Nirmal Hriday is commonly called Kalighat because of it's location at the temple.
We quickly learned that our fears were unfounded. Kalighat is very spartan but very well organized and well kept. Mother Teresa's mission for Kalighat was to provide a peaceful and dignified place for the destitute to die. She has provided a place to fulfill her mission - Kalighat is both peaceful and dignified. The home houses up to 145 people, with 100 residents at the present time.
As with other Missionary of Charity facilities, photographs are not allowed inside the building. But if you could see pictures of the inside, you would find that the inside is more dignified and respectful than the desolate and desparate living conditions on the outside.
On the way to Kalighat
Ralph used one of these brooms at Daya Dan to clean
the lunchroom floor after rice-eating time
Long-term volunteers hanging laundry
on the roof of Kalighat
The Kali temple is in the background
Fr. Peter receives a blessing from a woman
on the street outside Kalighat
A neighborhood school bus
Extracting juice from sugar cane
Incredible and awesome experience. Come home safely!
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